How to Write a Sentence: 7 Essential Tips for Clear Communication

Most people never learn how to write a sentence. They write fragments of thought or strings of words that don’t quite make sense. They aim for flair before they master form. But writing a complete sentence—one that carries both structure and substance—is where true communication begins.

As a writing coach and consultant, I’ve worked with over 150 clients: CEOs, academics, physicians, consultants, and professionals of all kinds. Some were bestselling authors; others hadn’t written a page since college.

The common thread? They all struggled with sentence writing. Whether they were writing a book, an article, or a speech, their work suffered until they understood how to build a sentence that made sense, carried weight, and reflected intention.

At Trivium Writing, we help clients turn their thoughts into polished writing—even if they don’t identify as writers. We use a proprietary framework, The Architecture of Writing to make writing simple, clear, and systematic. A strong sentence is the first brick in that system.

In this article, I’ll show you how to write a sentence that works. Writing, ultimately, is not about putting words on the page; it's about making sense. While writing a sentence may seem simple, crafting complete sentences that express a complete thought and follow correct sentence structure requires careful attention.

Whether you're constructing a simple sentence, a compound sentence, or a complex sentence, understanding the basic principles of sentence construction is key.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about how to write a sentence effectively, improving your sentence writing skills and helping you create better sentences in your writing.

Table of Contents

• What is a Sentence?
  
  
• The Basic Sentence Structure
  
  
• Types of Sentences: Simple, Compound, and Complex
  
  
• Understanding Sentence Fragments
  
  
• Avoiding Run-on Sentences
  
  
• The Importance of Sentence Variety

• Using Proper Punctuation
  
  
• Comma Splices

• Linking Verbs and Action Words
  
  
• Subject-Verb Agreement
  

• Parallel Structure

• Common Sentence Writing Mistakes
  
  
• Prepositional Phrases

• The Role of Capital Letters in Clear Communication
  
  
• Building Complete Thoughts for Strong Sentences
  

• Conclusion: Writing Good Sentences

What is a Sentence?

A sentence is a unit of thought. It begins when a subject acts—or exists—and ends when that action or state of being reaches clarity.

In its basic structure, a sentence must contain both a subject and a verb. The subject does the acting; the verb carries the action or the state. This isn’t grammar trivia; it’s how we make sense. A sentence that lacks either one fails to communicate. It becomes noise instead of meaning.

Take the simple sentence, “The cat sleeps.” You have a subject (“the cat”) and a verb (“sleeps”). This is a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Nothing more is needed to understand the meaning. This is sentence construction at its purest.

When a sentence lacks clarity, it’s often because it either leaves out a core element or piles on too many without order. If there’s no subject, you’re missing the who. If there’s no verb, you’re missing the what. And if both are present but the sentence doesn’t express a complete idea, you’ve built a fragment.

As a writing coach, I see this problem every week: people write sentence fragments or run-on sentences without knowing the difference. But when they learn to think in terms of structure—subject, verb, and complete thought—their writing becomes stronger, tighter, and more persuasive.

So before you write beautifully, write structurally. Make sure your sentence does what a sentence is meant to do: express a complete, clear, and meaningful idea.

The Basic Sentence Structure

Every sentence starts with structure, not style. Style can wait. But structure is non-negotiable.

At its core, a basic sentence contains two essential parts: a subject and a verb. The subject is who or what the sentence is about. The verb tells us what the subject is doing or being. Together, they form a complete thought.

Consider this sentence: "Time flies." It’s only two words, but it’s a complete sentence. Subject: "Time." Verb: "flies." And more importantly, it makes sense. That’s the litmus test of good sentence construction—does it make sense?

Most people try to say too much too soon. They overload their sentences with phrases, clauses, and modifiers before they’ve nailed the basics. But if your first sentence doesn’t stand strong, the rest of the paragraph collapses.

In Trivium Writing’s framework, we call this the Principle of the First Brick; if the first brick isn’t placed right, the wall doesn’t hold. That’s why we start with simple sentences. Once you can build a solid simple sentence, you can expand it into compound, complex, or compound-complex sentences with confidence.

Before we move on to those, pause. Write a few simple sentences that contain a subject and a verb. Don’t add decoration yet. Just make sure each one holds a complete idea.

That’s your foundation. Everything else builds on top.

Types of Sentences: Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex

Once you’ve mastered the basic sentence, the next step is variety. Different sentence structures serve different purposes. And good writing—clear, powerful writing—depends on knowing which type to use and when.

Let’s break them down:

1. Simple Sentence

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. That means it contains both a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Example: "Ideas grow."

This is the most fundamental sentence type. It doesn’t mean the sentence must be short—but it must be structurally complete.

Example: "The consultant with years of experience explained the process in detail."

Still a simple sentence. One subject. One main verb. One complete thought.

2. Compound Sentence

A compound sentence links two independent clauses—that is, two sentences that could stand on their own—with a coordinating conjunction. The seven coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Example: "I wrote the chapter, and I sent it to the editor."

Each part of the sentence could function on its own. Combined, they create flow and connection between ideas.

3. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence combines one independent clause with at least one dependent clause—a clause that cannot stand alone.

Example: "Although the draft was rough, the message came through."

Here, “Although the draft was rough” is a dependent clause. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (“although”) and depends on the main clause to complete the idea.

The Role of Sentence Variety

Most new writers overuse simple sentences and underuse complex sentences. Others get excited about long, multi-part constructions but end up writing run-on sentences or confusing tangents.

Sentence variety creates rhythm. It keeps your writing engaging, and it helps you emphasize the right points at the right time.

Once you learn to alternate between simple, compound, and complex sentences, you stop writing like a beginner. You begin writing with intention.

Understanding Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is a trap. It looks like a sentence. It might even sound like one. But it fails to deliver a complete thought. And because it’s incomplete, it leaves the reader wondering—What’s missing?

Here’s an example: "Because I missed the call."

You might feel the tension here. But the idea is incomplete. There’s a subject and a verb, sure—but the subordinate clause (“Because I missed the call”) needs an independent clause to give it meaning. Otherwise, it’s just a fragment.

Correct version: "Because I missed the call, I didn’t get the update."

Now you have both a dependent clause and an independent clause. That’s what turns a fragment into a complex sentence.

Why Sentence Fragments Happen

In my coaching work, fragments often appear when a writer tries to be dramatic or conversational—especially in nonfiction or business writing. Writers break the rules for style. But style must follow structure, not replace it. If a sentence doesn’t include a subject, a verb, and a complete idea, it’s not a sentence.

Here’s another fragment: "Before the meeting."  You might hear this in speech. But on the page, it’s a red flag.

Better: "We reviewed the plan before the meeting." or  "Before the meeting, I prepared the talking points."

How to Fix Sentence Fragments

Always test your sentences by asking: Who is doing what? And does it make sense on its own? If the answer is no, you likely have a fragment. Add the missing subject, verb, or idea. You’ll build better sentences by focusing on complete thoughts, not half-built phrases.

Avoiding Run-on Sentences

If a sentence fragment is a thought cut short, a run-on sentence is a thought stretched too far. It happens when you cram two independent clauses into a single sentence without the right punctuation or conjunction.

Example of a run-on sentence: "She launched her business it grew quickly."

At first glance, it might seem fine. But you’ve got two complete ideas—two independent clauses—jammed together without structure. The reader might get the point, but the sentence fails the clarity test.

How to Fix Run-On Sentences

There are three reliable ways to fix run-on sentences:

1. Separate the clauses into two sentences:
   "She launched her business. It grew quickly."

2. Use a coordinating conjunction (one of the seven):
   "She launched her business, and it grew quickly."

3. Use a semicolon if the ideas are closely related:
   "She launched her business; it grew quickly."

Each method restores order. Each method turns a mess into meaning.

Why Run-Ons Happen

Most of my clients don’t write run-ons because they don’t know better—they write them because they think longer sentences sound smarter. But longer doesn’t mean stronger. Without proper punctuation or structure, long sentences collapse under their own weight.

A well-built compound sentence links ideas with clarity. A run-on sentence does the opposite—it forces the reader to connect the dots on their own.

If you want your ideas to land with force, use punctuation marks and coordinating conjunctions to build sentences that breathe.

The Importance of Sentence Variety

Sentence variety isn’t about showing off—it’s about sustaining attention. If every sentence follows the same rhythm, the writing becomes predictable. Predictability breeds boredom. The antidote is deliberate variation.

Why Sentence Variety Matters

When you alternate between simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences, you create movement. You guide the reader through your ideas with a natural, readable cadence.

Too many simple sentences in a row sound abrupt.
Too many complex sentences feel dense.
Too many compound sentences can feel mechanical.

But together, they create harmony.

Here’s an example using different sentence types in sequence:

• "The team submitted the proposal." (Simple)
• "The client responded quickly, but they asked for revisions." (Compound)
• "Although the deadline was tight, we managed to update the draft." (Complex)
• "We revised the proposal again before the final call, and the client approved it because we addressed every concern." (Compound-complex)

Each sentence carries its own weight. But together, they tell a story with flow, clarity, and depth.

Sentence Variety and Voice

As a writing consultant, I remind clients that your sentence structure shapes your voice. Want to sound authoritative? Use short, strong simple sentences. Want to convey nuance or explore relationships between ideas? Use complex or compound-complex sentences.

Variety isn’t decoration. It’s strategy.

Using Proper Punctuation

Punctuation marks are not decoration. They're structure. They tell the reader how to read the sentence—where to pause, where to separate ideas, and where one thought ends and another begins.

If sentence structure is the skeleton, punctuation is the connective tissue.

The Period (.)

Use a period to mark the end of a complete sentence—a sentence that expresses a complete thought and contains both a subject and a verb.

Example:
"The chapter is finished."

Simple. Clear. Complete.

The Comma (,)

The comma is where most common errors appear. It’s often misused to link two independent clauses, creating a comma splice—a type of run-on sentence.

Incorrect:
"She led the workshop, it was a success." ← comma splice

Correct:
"She led the workshop, and it was a success." (Add coordinating conjunction)
"She led the workshop. It was a success." (Use a period)
"She led the workshop; it was a success." (Use a semicolon)

The seven coordinating conjunctions—for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—are essential for combining two independent clauses properly with a comma.

The Semicolon (;)

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Example: "The presentation ended early; we opened the floor to questions."

Semicolons add sophistication—but only when both clauses could stand alone.

The Colon (:)

Use a colon to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quote—after an independent clause.

Example: "The report outlines three key issues: scope, budget, and timeline."

Never use a colon after a fragment. This is a common mistake among writers trying to add formality.

The Question Mark (?) and Exclamation Mark (!)

Use a question mark to indicate a direct question.

For instance, "What is the client expecting?"

Use an exclamation mark sparingly—to emphasize a strong emotion or command.
"Stop the project!"

In professional writing, overusing exclamation marks can weaken credibility. Use them with precision.

Proper punctuation helps you fix run-on sentences, avoid comma splices, and build better sentences overall. It ensures that your sentence structure reflects your intended meaning.

Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses—each capable of standing alone as a complete sentence—are joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

Here’s what that looks like:
"The team submitted the draft, the client requested changes."

At first glance, the sentence may seem fine. But grammatically, it’s broken. That comma is not enough to hold two full ideas together. The result? A run-on sentence in disguise.

How to Fix a Comma Splice

You have three solid options:

1. Add a coordinating conjunction (one of the seven):
   "The team submitted the draft, and the client requested changes."

2. Separate into two sentences:
   "The team submitted the draft. The client requested changes."

3. Use a semicolon if the ideas are closely connected:
   "The team submitted the draft; the client requested changes."

Each fix restores structure. Each fix respects the boundaries of independent clauses.

Why Comma Splices Matter

Comma splices are subtle, but they damage credibility. They make writing feel rushed, unpolished, and disorganized. And if you're writing professionally—whether it’s a book, article, or business memo—readers won’t always tell you what’s wrong. They’ll just feel that something doesn’t make sense.

I see this issue often in manuscripts from smart, thoughtful people. They have insight. They have a message. But without proper sentence construction, that message loses impact.

If you want to write better sentences, pay attention to how your ideas connect—and ensure you use the right punctuation mark to guide the reader.

Linking Verbs and Action Words

A sentence must include a verb—but not all verbs behave the same way. Some show action, while others link the subject to more information. Knowing the difference helps you write a sentence that’s not only grammatically correct but also clear and purposeful.

Action Verbs

An action verb shows what the subject is doing.

Example:
"She speaks three languages."

Here, “speaks” is the main verb—it carries energy. It tells you what’s happening.

Action verbs drive the sentence forward. They’re strong, direct, and easy to understand. In nonfiction writing—especially when you're communicating expertise—action words create momentum and clarity.

Linking Verbs

A linking verb doesn’t express action. Instead, it connects the subject to a description or state of being.

Common linking verbs include: is, are, was, were, seems, feels, appears.

Example:
"She is a consultant."

The verb “is” doesn’t show action; it connects the subject (“she”) to more information (“a consultant”).

Another example:
"The plan seems effective."

“Seems” is the linking verb connecting “the plan” to the descriptor “effective.”

Why This Matters

In professional writing, overusing linking verbs can lead to dull, static sentences. Too many sentences built around “is” or “was” result in passive voice, vague phrasing, and missed opportunities to engage the reader.

Here’s the fix:

Instead of: "The report is detailed."
Try: "The report outlines key findings with precision."

You’ve just replaced a linking verb with an action word and created a more vivid sentence.

When reviewing your writing, ask:

• Is the verb doing something?

• Or is it just sitting there, linking?

That one distinction will help you strengthen your writing skills and produce more impactful sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement

No matter how elegant your sentence may sound, if the subject and verb don’t agree, the sentence fails. Grammar is not style—it’s structure. And subject-verb agreement is one of the first rules that must be mastered to build strong, clear, and complete sentences.

What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?

It’s simple in theory:

• A singular subject takes a singular verb.

• A plural subject takes a plural verb.

Examples:
"The writer edits every morning." (Singular subject, singular verb)
"The writers edit every morning." (Plural subject, plural verb)

When the subject and verb don’t match in number, the sentence doesn’t make sense—even if the reader can guess your meaning.

The Sneaky Errors

Most mistakes happen when the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause. This is common when dealing with prepositional phrases or compound subjects.

Incorrect:
"The list of recommendations were long."

Why? Because the true subject is “list” (singular), not “recommendations.”

Correct:
"The list of recommendations was long."

Another common mistake involves compound subjects—two subjects joined by “and.”

Correct:
"The manager and the assistant are attending the meeting."
(Both are the subject, so the verb is plural.)

But when the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the part closest to it.

Example:

"Neither the founder nor the advisors were available."
"Neither the advisors nor the founder was available."

Precision here is not about nitpicking; it’s about credibility. If your sentence breaks basic grammatical rules, readers question the professionalism of the message.

In coaching sessions, I remind clients: Your ideas deserve the clarity that correct grammar provides. You don't need to be a grammar nerd—you just need awareness.

Parallel Structure

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form when presenting ideas of equal value. It’s not optional—it’s essential. When your sentence includes a list, a comparison, or multiple clauses, parallelism ensures they align. Without it, your writing feels uneven, disjointed, or even confusing.

What Does Parallel Structure Look Like?

Let’s start with a sentence that breaks the rule:
"She enjoys reading, to jog, and writing poems."

It’s easy to gloss over, but the rhythm is off. The list lacks consistency: “reading” (gerund), “to jog” (infinitive), “writing” (gerund). This inconsistency creates friction.

Here’s the parallel version:
"She enjoys reading, jogging, and writing poems."

Each item in the list follows the same pattern—a verb ending in -ing. Now the sentence flows.

Why It Matters

Parallel structure isn’t just about elegance; it’s about clarity and logic. It helps the reader track your meaning without stumbling. It’s especially critical in:

• Lists: "The strategy involves planning, executing, and reviewing."

• Comparisons: "He is not only smart but also disciplined."

• Paired ideas: "You can write a book for influence or for legacy."

Inconsistent structure distracts the reader. Parallel structure disappears into the background—allowing your message to shine.

In professional writing, especially when laying out arguments, processes, or frameworks, this technique strengthens your credibility. I’ve worked with clients whose content instantly improved simply by aligning sentence elements. The transformation isn’t flashy—it’s foundational.

Common Sentence Writing Mistakes

Whether you're writing a book, a blog, or an email to a client, certain mistakes can undermine your message—no matter how strong your ideas are. The good news? Most of these errors follow patterns. Once you spot them, you can systematically correct them.

Here are the most common issues I encounter when working with clients—from thought leaders to startup founders:

1. Incomplete Sentences (Sentence Fragments)

We covered these earlier: sentence fragments lack either a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. They often look dramatic but leave the reader hanging.

Incorrect:
"While reviewing the proposal."
(A dependent clause with no conclusion.)

Correct:
"While reviewing the proposal, I noticed several key points were missing."

2. Run-On Sentences

When two independent clauses are joined without the proper connector or punctuation, you’ve got a run-on sentence. It's one of the most damaging structural errors because it disrupts flow and logic.

Fix it using a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.
We’ve already gone deep into this—no excuse to let it slip in.

3. Comma Splices

This one masquerades as a minor typo but causes real damage. A comma splice joins two sentences with just a comma and no coordinating conjunction.

Incorrect:
"The product launched, customers gave feedback."

Correct:
"The product launched, and customers gave feedback."
or
"The product launched. Customers gave feedback."

4. Lack of Subject-Verb Agreement

As we covered, the verb must match the subject in number. A singular subject needs a singular verb; a plural subject needs a plural verb.

Incorrect:
"The list of updates are long."
(“List” is singular.)

Correct:
"The list of updates is long."

5. Misused Punctuation Marks

Overusing the exclamation point, misplacing question marks, or sprinkling commas where they don’t belong makes your writing look unsure or inconsistent.

Example:
"He finished the draft,!" ← Not just wrong. Distracting.

Use punctuation with precision. Each punctuation mark has a specific job. Respect it.

Every sentence you write sends a message—not just in content, but in quality. And in high-stakes writing, small errors signal big gaps in attention, care, or skill.

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition. These phrases can modify nouns, verbs, or the whole sentence.

Example:
"The book is on the table."

Here, "on the table" is a prepositional phrase that modifies the location of the book.

Writing Skills: How to Improve Your Sentences

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun—called the object of the preposition. These phrases add context by answering key questions: where, when, how, and with what?

Examples of prepositional phrases:

• "On the table"

• "Before the meeting"

• "With the client"

• "By the deadline"

Let’s put it into a sentence:

"The contract sat on the desk."
“On the desk” is a prepositional phrase that tells us where.

Why Prepositional Phrases Matter

Used well, these phrases sharpen meaning. They allow you to add detail without overloading the sentence.

Consider:

"She walked." → Vague.
"She walked through the park with her dog before sunrise." → Now we know where, with whom, and when.

In client manuscripts, I often see sentences that feel flat not because the ideas are weak, but because the context is missing. A few well-placed prepositional phrases can transform an incomplete sentence into a complete thought.

The Warning: Don’t Overdo It

Too many prepositional phrases in one sentence? You create clutter.

Overloaded:
"She presented her findings in the meeting with the board on Monday at the office near the river."

Trim it. Break it. Prioritize.
"She presented her findings to the board on Monday."

Clarity wins. You don’t need to include every preposition—only the ones that serve your main idea.

Prepositional phrases are not filler—they’re strategic tools. Use them to build better sentences that deliver detail with discipline.

The Role of Capital Letters in Clear Communication

A capital letter may seem basic, but it carries serious weight. It signals the beginning of a complete sentence, identifies proper nouns, and maintains the visual structure that helps readers navigate your ideas effortlessly.

Start Every Sentence with a Capital

Every sentence must begin with a capital letter. This is not a stylistic choice—it’s a structural rule. A capital at the beginning signals the start of a new complete thought.

Correct:
"The meeting started on time."

Incorrect:
"the meeting started on time."
(This signals sloppiness, not casualness.)

As a writing consultant, I can tell you: readers won’t always notice when something’s correct—but they instantly feel it when something is off. A lowercase first letter tells them you’re either rushing or not paying attention.

Use Capitals for Proper Nouns

Names of people, companies, cities, countries, and institutions all require capitalization. It’s how we distinguish common nouns from specific identities.

Correct:
"Jennifer met with clients in Toronto."

Incorrect:
"jennifer met with clients in toronto."

In professional writing—especially books, white papers, and proposals—capitalization mistakes break trust. They create visual clutter and undermine your authority.

Titles and Headings

Capitalize important words in titles and headings. Don’t capitalize every word unless you follow title case formatting. And never mix formats.

Example:

"How to Write a Sentence: A Complete Guide" ← Clear, intentional
Not:
"how To write A sentence: a Complete GUIDE"

Why It Matters

Capital letters don’t just clarify—they signal discipline. In professional settings, even one lowercase sentence start or an uncapitalized name can make your writing appear careless or unrefined.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about respecting your reader’s time and attention.

Building Complete Thoughts for Strong Sentences

A complete sentence must do one thing above all else: express a complete thought. That means it has to tell the reader who is doing what—with enough information to make sense on its own.

The Anatomy of a Complete Thought

To form a complete thought, a sentence needs:

• A subject (who or what the sentence is about)

• A verb (what the subject is doing or being)

• Clarity (it must make logical sense without needing more)

Example:

"The team delivered the report."
You’ve got a singular subject (“the team”) and a main verb (“delivered”). The sentence is grammatically complete—and semantically clear.

Now compare that to:
"Because the team delivered the report."
That’s not a sentence. It’s a dependent clause that leaves the reader waiting for the rest.

Fixed:
"Because the team delivered the report, the client approved the project."

Now you’ve got a complex sentence built on a complete thought.

What Happens Without a Complete Thought?

You create a sentence fragment. Or worse, a sentence that technically works but makes no sense. Either way, your writing loses clarity—and credibility.

As I tell clients: if your writing feels vague or confusing, chances are your sentence is missing something. Usually a verb. Sometimes a subject. Often, just coherence.

A Quick Test

After every sentence you write, ask:

• Does this express a complete idea?

• Can this stand alone and make sense?

If not, restructure it. Add what’s missing. Remove what’s distracting. Use word order that puts subject and verb up front when possible.

The more you build your writing around complete thoughts, the stronger your communication becomes.

Conclusion: Writing Good Sentences

To write a sentence is to think clearly. Not to impress. Not to decorate. But to reveal your thought, fully and faithfully.

That’s what we teach at Trivium Writing: how to build sentences that stand on structure, not style. Mastering sentence writing is not about being “good at grammar.” It’s about taking your ideas seriously enough to express them clearly. It’s about using complete sentences to earn trust, signal professionalism, and lead your reader where they need to go.

And the truth is this: writing skills are not a gift—they’re a system.

We’ve worked with over 150 clients across 10+ countries—from entrepreneurs and academics to CEOs and creatives. Whether you’re writing a book, building a brand, or refining internal communication, it all starts with the sentence.

Book a free consultation with us and learn how our proprietary framework, The Architecture of Writing, can help you write with clarity, structure, and intent—even if you’ve never seen yourself as a writer.